Letâs be realâsometimes the real star of your swim look isnât the swimsuit at all, itâs the effortlessly chic cover-up you throw over it.
Whether youâre poolside lounging, heading to a tropical lunch, or just strutting down the shore, the right cover-up pulls your whole vibe together.
From breezy linen sets to glam mesh dresses, here are the cutest swimsuit cover up outfit ideas that will have you looking sun-kissed and so put togetherâeven with sand in your hair.
Sheer Maxi Dress
A sheer, flowy maxi over your bikini? Major glam energy. Whether itâs mesh, lace, or organza, this look turns heads and transitions beautifully to beach bars or sunset dinners.
Linen Button-Down Shirt
Oversized, breathable, and always in style. Throw on a white or neutral linen shirt over your suit, tie it at the waist or leave it open, and boomâeffortless coastal chic.
Crochet Mini Dress
Playful, breezy, and very Y2K-boho, a crochet cover-up is perfect for giving your swimwear a bit of personality. Bonus points for fringe or flared sleeves!
Two-Piece Matching Set
Think wide-leg pants + crop top or a mini skirt + tie-front shirt in a lightweight, breathable fabric. These sets feel polished and are SO easy to throw on after a swim.
Sarong or Pareo Wrap
The OG cover-up. Wrap it around your waist for a skirt, tie it around your chest as a strapless dress, or wear it as a halter. The styling options are endless!
Kaftan or Kimono
Want to look like you belong on a yacht? A flowy, printed kaftan or kimono adds instant elegance. Choose lightweight chiffon or satin for extra drama (and breeze-catching).
Mesh Pants
Super trendy and just a little spicy. Mesh flare pants over your bikini bottoms add a high-fashion twist, especially in black or bold neon shades.
Oversized Shirt
For that cool-girl, throw-on-and-go vibe. Wear it oversized as a mini dress or knotted over your bottoms. Choose a beachy graphic or vintage logo to make it pop.
Tie-Front Beach Dress
Cute and flirty, these easy-breezy dresses give just the right amount of coverage while letting your suit peek through. Perfect for beach-to-restaurant transitions.
Denim Shorts + Kimono
Nothing says casual beach babe like distressed denim shorts layered under a flowy kimono or gauze shirt. Add a straw hat and youâre golden.
Button-Down Shirts
Go for a lightweight shirtdress thatâs breathable, polished, and effortlessly chic. Roll up the sleeves, unbutton it low, or belt it for added shape.
Terry Cloth Set
Soft, sporty, and SO on trend. A terry set with shorts and a zip-up or halter top is cozy, practical, and cute enough for a poolside hang or hotel cafĂŠ stop.
Net Cover-Up
Think open-weave net dresses or skirts that show off your suit underneath while adding that fisherman-meets-fashion-girl aesthetic.
Printed Wrap Dress
A tropical or floral wrap dress makes for an easy throw-on piece that flatters every shapeâand can totally double as vacation dinner attire.
Romper or Jumpsuit
A one-and-done moment. Choose something strapless, halter-style, or with an open back to show off your swimsuit underneath. Breezy fabrics like rayon or cotton are ideal.
Sleeveless Button-Up Dress
The ideal mix of structure and breathability. A sleeveless shirt dress in white or pastel gives you that crisp, pulled-together energy while staying beach-appropriate.
Skirted Bikini with Matching Cover-Up
Some brands now offer matching skirts or sarongs with their bikinisâyes, please! It gives the illusion of a full outfit while still being beach-ready.
Knitted Cover-Up Sets
Whether itâs a knit tank + skirt combo or long sleeve top + shorts, knitted sets give cozy texture while keeping it cool and elevated.
Maxi Skirt + Bandeau Top
Wear a high-slit maxi skirt over your bikini bottoms and throw on a bandeau or crop top for that beach goddess feel.
Button-Down Vest + Shorts
A tailored vest over your bikini with matching loose shorts gives off âeffortless model off-duty in Ibizaâ energy. Pair with sunnies and chunky slides to seal the look.
⨠Final Splash
Swimsuit cover-ups are no longer an afterthoughtâtheyâre the key to curating a full-on vacation aesthetic that goes way beyond the water.
Whether youâre a fan of floaty boho styles or sharp minimal silhouettes, thereâs a cover-up look with your name on it.
So go aheadâtreat your swimwear like the outfit it is, and let your cover-up take center stage. Sun, style, and SPF? Youâre ready, babe. đđ